Back in January 2019, the Amazon-owned streaming service, IMDB Freedive, premiered, adding to the array of free content available to viewers. Eventually, the service rebranded to IMDB TV, bringing along a host of new movies and shows. However, for fans of period dramas, it can be challenging to find the best options since period dramas don’t have a dedicated category. After exploring the current offerings, I’ve put together a list of the top free period dramas to watch right now!
You can stream IMDB TV directly from their website, via Amazon Fire TV, or through an Amazon Prime Video subscription, if you have one. Keep in mind that “free” still includes commercials.
If you love period dramas and want to keep your budget in check, this list is for you. It includes popular titles, romantic tales, historical war dramas, family-friendly options, and some lesser-known gems, offering something for everyone.
Please note: Availability is as of August 2019 and may change over time.
The Best Free Period Dramas on IMDB TV
1. The Age of Innocence (1993)
This award-winning romantic period drama directed by Martin Scorsese stars Michelle Pfeiffer, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Winona Ryder. It’s a beautiful portrayal of classic romance.
2. A Knight’s Tale (2001)
Enjoy this charming medieval rom-com featuring Heath Ledger as a peasant who dreams of knighthood, filled with chivalrous romance and humor.
3. A River Runs Through It (1992)
Brad Pitt stars in this American drama about two brothers growing up in rural Montana under their strict minister father. Directed by Robert Redford, this film is perfect for fans of literary fiction.
4. An Education (2009)
This coming-of-age drama set in 1960s London stars Carey Mulligan in her breakout role. While the romance aspect is controversial, the film itself is compelling.
5. Anthropoid (2016)
Cillian Murphy and Jamie Dornan star in this WWII drama about a mission to assassinate Hitler’s third-in-command.
6. Ashes in the Snow (2018)
This romantic war drama starring Bel Powley is set during the Soviet occupation of the Baltic region.
7. Bye Bye Birdie (1995)
This TV movie adaptation of the famous musical stars Vanessa Williams and Jason Alexander, and it was nominated for three Emmys, winning one.
8. Charms for the Easy Life (2002)
A delightful tale of three North Carolina women, starring Gena Rowlands, Mimi Rogers, and Susan May Pratt, based on a popular book.
9. Chasing 3000 (2010)
This indie sports drama is about two brothers on a road trip in 1972 to witness Roberto Clemente’s 3000th hit. Ray Liotta, Rory Culkin, and Trevor Morgan star.
10. Copperhead (2013)
A Civil War drama from the director of Gettysburg, focusing on a New York family and their town’s political conflicts.
11. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
A period fantasy with beautiful action scenes, unrequited love, and groundbreaking visuals, winning four Academy Awards.
12. Dances with Wolves (1990)
Directed by and starring Kevin Costner, this romantic epic is about a Civil War hero in the western frontier. It won seven Academy Awards.
13. Dracula (1992)
A visually stunning adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic novel, featuring Gary Oldman and Anthony Hopkins. Note, there are some horror elements.
14. Edward and Mrs. Simpson (1978)
A TV mini-series starring Edward Fox and Cynthia Harris that royal fans will enjoy.
15. Flyboys (2006)
A WWII drama about young Americans becoming fighter pilots for the French military, starring James Franco.
16. George and the Dragon (2004)
A family-friendly historical fantasy starring James Purefoy, Piper Perabo, Patrick Swayze, and Michael Clarke Duncan.
17. Haven (2001)
Natasha Richardson stars in this true story about Ruth Gruber helping Holocaust refugees reach the United States.
18. The Illusionist (2006)
A mix of magic, romance, and mystery starring Edward Norton—a highly recommended watch.
19. The Incredible Journey of Mary Bryant (2005)
An Australian mini-series about the escape of an English convict from Australia, starring Romola Garai, Alex O’Loughlin, and Jack Davenport.
20. Indochine (1992)
A romantic historical drama about a French woman and a Vietnamese princess in love with the same officer. This film won an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.
21. The Infinite Worlds of H.G. Wells (2001)
A fun mini-series about H.G. Wells with a time-travel twist and a charming love story.
22. The Inheritance (1997)
A sweet romantic period drama based on a Louisa May Alcott novel, set in Concord, Massachusetts.
23. The Inquiry (2006)
A historical Christian movie about a Roman soldier’s quest to disprove Jesus’ resurrection.
24. Ithaca (2015)
Meg Ryan’s directorial debut sees a young telegram messenger coming of age in 1942, featuring an emotional cameo by Tom Hanks.
25. Jewel (2001)
Farah Fawcett stars as a mother raising a child with Down syndrome in the 1940s, a time when such acceptance was rare.
